Weekly Email, Jan. 18
January 18, 2022
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton acknowledges that we have a long way to go to dismantle structural and institutional racism, and that “we are actively wrestling with the ways the sin of racism shows up in our lives together as a church. We also know that grace gives us the freedom to face our sin.” Please watch her 3-minute video message: https://www.facebook.com/Lutherans/videos/883153795666397/
If you have additional time, we also recommend watching a reading of "The Letter from a Birmingham Jail" read by ELCA African descent pastors.Thank you African Descent Lutheran Association and Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Qmo7Ypq8w
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The Sunday adult forums are jam-packed! Discussions, celebrations, presentations…they’ve got it all. Read all about it on the Adult Ed page of our website, and check out the Free Press article about our Feb. 6th presenters: https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/authors-use-book-to-start-a-conversation-about-racial-religious-diversity/article_94161670-6cab-11ec-be98-13dd4223d99c.html
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The Strategic Planning Committee invites you for a “Day of Norms” on Feb. 6th at 4pm. Read all the details on the blog.
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Friend to Bethlehem and the entire community, Dave Brave Heart was recently diagnosed with ALS. Please consider attending the benefit on Feb. 19 or making a donation to the silent auction or a monetary donation. Full details on the blog.
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LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to provide and serve food to our students at Minnesota State University-Mankato through Campus Ministries Lunch for a Buck program. We are committed to providing a meal and serving on the 1st Tuesday of every month from February through May 2022. If you are interested in providing a hot meal, side dish and dessert, please contact Sandra Abild at 507-382-6867.
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On December 21, the Church Council reviewed the data collected in the recent worship survey and determined the best action at this time would be to move worship to 9:30am on Sunday mornings. This change will occur on February 6, 2022.
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At the blood drive on Dec. 23, Bethlehem exceeded its donation goal. Six members of Bethlehem were among the donors, with Carol Malone manning the snacks and Mary Bliesmer coordinating it all. The blood shortage in our country prompted Amazon to donate $250 to every drive that meets its goal, so Mary will be sharing that gift with the church. Thanks to all involved and keep donating when you can!
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Offering envelopes for 2022 will be available in the narthex starting mid-December. Numbers will no longer be assigned. Envelopes are dated as usual, but please put your name on your envelope when you make a contribution. Our current contribution system is name driven and does not use envelope numbers. Those who give electronically do not need to take envelopes. Any questions can be addressed to Elizabeth in the church office or by email at elizruiz@blcmankato.org.
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The January Mission Partner is House of Hope. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.
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Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam
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News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates
Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021
"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."